EXBURY 14 DOG AV RETRIEVER NOVICE STAKE

Once again Kevin Callum gave us with an exceptional day with plenty of birds in stunning surroundings. The guns were fronted by our host Nick Rothschild and showed their competence by providing ample game for the trial. The weather was extremely cold but as usual the A & D team were well organised with plenty of refreshments and good cheer.

The first drive was in an open stubble field with the birds dropping well behind. Unfortunately we lost one competitor during the drive and four more who failed on a long partridge. The second drive was in an open field with woodland and a marshy area behind bordered by a wide ditch alongside the stubble. During the drive another run in occurred and a running partridge was the downfall of another two competitors despite some excellent work by Chris Losebys' dog Warrenby Casanova.

Competitors continued to fail on their retrieves until we were left with one competitor, who then had the unenviable task of completing several retrieves on his own with all eyes on him. However by 12 noon Tom Walsh had proven that he was a worthy winner of the trial with Tudorcourt Hornbill.

Guns choice was given to Christine Cox following her exceptional eye wipe on a running partridge with Ramalley Port Wine Pippin.

By 1pm presentations were completed and everyone was on the way home, hopefully thawing out in their cars.

Once again I must express my thanks Kevin Callum and all his team for their hospitality and to the A & D committee and all the helpers who make these trials possible.

Ist    Tom Walsh with his Labrador Tudorcourt Hornbill

Guns Choice:  Christine Cox with her Labrador Ramalley Port Wine pippin